On Saturday, Sudan’s primary paramilitary organization claimed to have taken over the presidential palace, the army chief’s residence, and Khartoum international airport in what seems to be a coup attempt. However, the military stated that it was resisting the move.
What’s Happening at Khartoum?
According to a doctors’ group in Sudan, the ongoing clashes between the country’s army and paramilitary have resulted in at least three fatalities and dozens of injuries.
The fighting is the latest development in months of escalating tensions between the military and paramilitary forces and years of political unrest since a military coup in October 2021.
The Sudan Doctors’ Committee stated that two civilians were killed at the airport, while another man was shot dead in North Kordofan.
The statement did not provide details on how the two airport fatalities occurred. The clashes have left many more injured, some of whom are in critical condition, the group said. Both sides have accused each other of starting the violence on Saturday morning.
SAUDIA Airlines Issued Statement Over Khartoum Airport
SAUDIA has issued a statement stating that flight number SV458 of its A330 aircraft met with an accident at Khartoum International Airport. Before its scheduled departure to Riyadh at 0730hrs UTC on Saturday, April 15.
Following the incident, SAUDIA’s emergency team took prompt action, collaborating with the relevant authorities, including the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Republic of Sudan, to gather more information on the accident.
Furthermore, all flights to and from Sudan have been suspended indefinitely.
SkyUp Airlines Statement Regarding the situation at Khartoum
Today, Sudan witnessed an outbreak of hostilities. According to the latest reports, the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) on one of the two SkyUp Airlines planes parked at Khartoum airport was activated.
The extent of damage to the aircraft remains unknown. However, the 36 SkyUp employees in the country are safe and in secure locations. We are maintaining regular contact with them to ensure their safety.
Our foremost objective at the moment is to ensure the safety of our employees and arrange for their prompt departure from the country under secure circumstances.
To achieve this, we are working in conjunction with the Embassy of Ukraine in Egypt, the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in Sudan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, and other relevant public institutions. We will notify the media once the situation is resolved.
Bottom Line
If the conflict between the RSF and the army escalates, it could result in significant upheaval in Sudan, exacerbating existing economic instability and tribal unrest. Additionally, it could disrupt attempts to hold democratic elections in the country.
The recent clashes between the two groups are the result of mounting tensions surrounding the RSF’s integration into the military and the matter of its supervision. This disagreement has caused a delay in the signing of an internationally-supported agreement between political parties concerning the country’s transition towards democracy.
As per the army’s announcement, the Sudanese air force initiated operations against the RSF. However, footage captured by broadcasters showed a military aircraft hovering over Khartoum.
Gunshots were heard in various parts of Khartoum, and witnesses have reported firing in adjacent cities.
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